General Motors and Ford Motor said Friday that new vehicle sales in March failed to match year-ago levels, despite hopes for a recovery after a tough winter. Meanwhile, most Asian automakers and DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group reported gains in March thanks to fresh lineups.

GM has taken the unusual step of quietly lowering sticker prices by up to $2,000 on some of its most popular SUVs after a sudden sales slip. Earlier this month, GM knocked $1,500 off the manufacturer's suggested retail prices of its midsize SUV lineup and $2,000 off most extended versions.

The surprising first results of a new federal safety test suggest that sport-utility vehicles are no more prone to roll over in crashes than other vehicles. SUVs scored as well as or better than a compact station wagon and several pickups also tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

With only two days left to reach 2003 sales goals, most automakers have boosted deals. And some are channeling discounts through dealers instead of directly to consumers. But consumers have to be tough negotiators to get most or all the extra discounts being offered to dealers.